6 Main Heroines Who Absolutely Want to Monopolize Me - V1 Chapter 2.8

6 Main Heroines Who Absolutely Want to Monopolize Me

Once the greetings with everyone were over, I went up to the rooftop of Sky Tower with Juujo-san.

It was past 6 PM, and the sun was setting.

“The rooftop has turned into a pool?”

I guess you could also call it a resort pool.

By the poolside (though it’s more like the main area), there were bar counters, stand tables, deck chairs, and sofas made of woven rattan, with candles lighting up various spots.

Furthermore, tropical plants like palm trees were planted around, creating an oriental atmosphere.

“Ladies of the bride candidates have just finished their self-introductions in another room and are now coming here after leaving their belongings and freshening up. After that, we will have the first drink party, where we’ll explain the rules in more detail.”

“Understood.”

As she was saying that…

“Wow, it’s so romantic! Ah, it’s Shinichi-kun! Hi!♡”

“Can you stop calling Shinichi like that, Ria-chan?”

“I don’t understand, Sakiho-san. What’s the point of protecting Onīchan like that?”

“Woo, Maion-chan, nice! It’s a beautiful view with an ugly fight! What an amazing sight!”

“Hahaha, an ugly fight? Shibuya is so straightforward, huh? What do you think, Hirakawa?”

“Hey, Kanda-san. Can you stop suddenly sneaking and pretending as if you’re not an outsider?”

When I turned towards the voice, the six women were coming, still dressed in their fancy dresses.

Really, they looked quite impressive lined up together.

Peach, black, white, red, emerald, purple.

Each dress may be different in style, but even I can tell that each woman is exceptionally attractive in her own way according to societal standards.

“Ladies, please go to the drink counter over there and choose your favorite beverage.”

As I looked where Juujo-san was pointing, there was a chic bar counter under a roof made of wood like a pavilion.

Several bartenders were lined up.

Even though there were only eight people including Juujo-san, the treatment was quite something.

It seems my mother spared no expense in my bride search.

Anyway, it’s a party we have now. I can’t let my guard down, but there’s no point in just standing here.

Just as I was about to head to get a drink, in that moment…

“Shinichi-kun~!”

With a dazzling smile, a girl tightly hugged my right arm.

“What are you drinking? Shall we go together~?♡”

It was Ria Meguro, the former top idol.

Even though the sun was setting, her smile was as bright as sunlight that I leaned back a bit.

Feeling the sensation I felt on my arm that was unexpectedly soft, my heart was racing.

Even though she’s a beauty, to have such a bust…Life is so unfair, even the gods must be playing tricks.

As I was pretending to remain calm, my consciousness drifted towards the heaven.

No, wait, am I ascending?

“Just a moment, Ria-chan, could you stop hugging my childhood friend and future husband so casually?”

My childhood friend, Sakiho Shinagawa, pouted and took hold of my other arm.

“What are you talking about? Wrong, it’s Rii future fiancé, okay?”

“Shut up, we’ve been engaged for years already.”

“Ohh~ You’re still cherishing a promise from when you were little! Sakiho-chan, you’re so fairy-tale-like♡ Your head is like a flower garden♡”

“I won’t fall for such a cheap provocation.”

Sakiho glared at her, or rather, she’s completely taken the bait…

When I looked away, Yuu Shibuya was licking her lips and capturing this moment with her camera.

Osaki Sumire stared at us with a displeased look, arms crossed.

Hirakawa Maion had already ordered a Dr. Pepper from the bar counter and was drinking it ahead of everyone else.

And then…

“Hirakawa, what would you like to drink? You seem busy, should I bring it to you?”

Kanda Leona approached me with a confident smile.

“Tsk…”

Looking at her, I felt like I heard a faint tongue clicking from my right side for a moment.

“Ria?”

“Yes, what is it, Shinichi-kun?♡”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing…”

She definitely clicked her tongue….what happen? You’re scaring me…

***

With each of us having our drinks from the bar counter, Juujo-san came over.

“Now, I’ll briefly explain the flow of events from now on. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

“Okayy!”

Yuu raised the hand opposite to the one holding her smartphone and answered on behalf of everyone.

“From now on, you will be living together here at Roppongi Sky Tower. Please take a look.”

As Juujo-san said that and snapped her fingers, a 3D hologram of Roppongi Sky Tower was projected above the pool.

“Wow, what is this? Amazing!”

Yuu excitedly pointed her smartphone camera in that direction.

“Here at Roppongi Sky Tower, we have not only your rooms but also a resort pool, sauna & spa, live bar, cafe, playroom, library, and other facilities similar to those found in luxury hotels.”

Said Juujo-san as lines emerged from various places in the hologram of Sky Tower, indicating the locations of each facility.

“I think it’s too luxurious to run this program alone… Is there some hidden agenda?”

Osaki raised her hand to ask, and Juujo-san nodded.

“Thank you for your question, Osaki Sumire-sama.Your concern is quite valid. These facilities will be exclusively reserved for you during the love study program. However, starting from next year, we plan to open it as a VIP private hotel where weddings can also be held.”

“So, we are essentially on a trial run?”

“You are absolutely right. Your quick understanding is appreciated.”

I see, wedding venues and hotels are indeed closely related.

“This time, we have removed the SIM cards from everyone’s smartphones. Additionally, the WiFi from the 61st floor to the rooftop of Sky Tower is not accessible. Inside the hotel, there is an internal line communication system to contact me, but we ask that you communicate with each other only face-to-face. If you need any information, you can use the newspapers and database in the library.”

“What’s a ‘database’?”

This time, Kanda asked a question.

“It is an electronic encyclopedia created by the Hirakawa Group, containing a vast collection of books and publicly available information from all over the world, equivalent to the National Diet Library. Since it’s electronic, the information is regularly updated.”

“Oh, it sounds like it won’t be boring.”

“It would take a lifetime to read everything. By the way, Maion-sama is the one who created the foundation of the system for the study abroad program, including this database.”

“This little kid did? Wow, that’s impressive!”

“It’s puzzling. There is no correlation between physique and brain performance.”

As Yuu’s hand reached to pat her head, Maion looked displeased and moved away.

“Now, let’s proceed with the actual rule explanation.”

I swallowed nervously.

This is an important part. How I assess these women will shape the course of events.

“To confirm once again, the purpose of this love study is to find Shinichi-sama’s life partner.”

Gulp, I heard the sound of someone swallowing somewhere other than myself.

“For that purpose, we have planned a Flower Ceremony once per season.”

“Season? Flower Ceremony?”

“The Flower Ceremony is a ritual where Shinichi-sama presents a bouquet to the person he wishes to spend time with. For each Flower Ceremony, one person will not receive a bouquet, and they will have to leave from this study abroad.”

As explained by Juujo-san before the introductions, this is a program where one person will be eliminated each time.

The women seemed to have heard about it when they joined, as there were no complaints like, ‘Why do such a cruel thing now.’

“We call the first set of Flower Ceremonies Season 1. Then it continues as Season 2, Season 3, and so on. Today, I will only explain Season 1.”

Juujo-san pointed her index finger to the sky.

“During this season, you will head to a total of five dates. First, we have two planned group dates.”

“Group date means going on a date with Shinichi and a few others, right?”

“That’s correct. For the two initial group dates, each will consist of Shinichi-sama and three other members, making a total of four participants.”

“These are the dates to decide the first impression. This is where we introduce the members, right…?”

Yuu seemed to be thinking about the video’s structure.

“The first group consists of Leona Kanda, Ria Meguro, and Yuu Shibuya. The second group consists of Sakiho Shinagawa, Hirakawa Maion, Osaki Sumire; Shinichi-sama is included in both groups.”

“I see. The first one is the ‘first meeting group (Meeting with Shinichi for the first time)’ and the second one is the ‘already acquainted group,’ right?”

“To put it bluntly, yes.”

Juujo-san smiled in response to Sakiho’s response.

“Each group will compete, and the winners will earn the right to go on an ‘additional date’ with Shinichi-sama. Immediately after the group date, you will have the right to spend time alone together.”

“Just the two of us…! “

The atmosphere suddenly became lively.

Regardless of the value of spending time with me, having an opportunity for a conversation alone in this program is advantageous.

It will allow me to better understand each of them.

“After the two group dates are over, you will go on two ‘1-on-1 dating’ next.”

“1-on-1 dating? So, this time it’s a 1-on-1 date with Shinichi?”

Sakiho asked again.

“That’s right. Unlike the additional dates, Shinichi-sama will decide the destination and activities for these dates.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“Yes, that’s right. Of course, we will provide support as well.”

Caught off guard, I let out an embarrassed and bewildered voice.

However, this isn’t a bad thing.

I see, it means that if there’s someone you really want to talk to, you can have a relaxed conversation during these one-on-one dates.

“After the two ‘1-on-1 dating’ are over, we will have the final ‘Everyone Date.’ It will be a date with all participants together. This will be the last chance for everyone to appeal to Shinichi-sama. There are no specific competitions planned for this date.”

“Everyone! It sounds like there will be lots of great moments!”

“Everyone…? It sounds lively and tiring.”

Yuu and Maion voiced their honest impressions.

“Lastly, we will have the ‘Flower Ceremony’ at Roppongi Sky Tower. Here, Shinichi-sama will select the five remaining participants.”

In other words,

“In the end, one person will be chosen to leave this study abroad program here.”

Finally, the first person to be eliminated will be determined there.

“This is the flow of Season 1. Do you have any questions?”

After about 2 to 3 seconds of no one speaking up, Yuu said again, ‘Looks like it’s all good!’

Despite the discussion of eliminations, the atmosphere among the women remained nonchalant.

“Now, let’s return to the drink party. Shinichi-sama, please propose a toast.”

“Okay.”

I’m not good at speaking.

However, I have seen many executives and leaders deliver short speeches at events and parties multiple times.

If I want to become a leader myself, I can’t avoid it. It’s okay, I can do it, or rather, I have to do it.

This is an important first step that will determine the future of this study abroad program.

Let’s start with a simple and confident opening one.

“C-C-cheers!”

…

…I screwed up.

Let’s do our best next time.